Lady Eagles Keep Winning Ways

3/18/2013

The 14th ranked Williams Baptist College softball team improved their winning streak to 17 games with a sweeps over American Midwest Conference foe Missouri Baptist University on Friday and Bethel University on Saturday. Both doubleheaders were played at the WBC Softball Field in Walnut Ridge.

The Lady Eagles opened AMC play with a doubleheader over MBU, winning 4-0 in the first game and run ruling the Spartans 12-0 in five innings to win the nightcap.

"Missouri Baptist is always dangerous. They beat us last year and you always want to get off to a good start in conference. There is a lot of pressure in the American Midwest and it was good to see our experience respond," said Head Coach Eric Newell.

Karisa Hendrix took the circle in game one and didn't allow a Lady Spartan to reach second base. The flamethrower pitched a complete game shutout, allowing two hits while striking out three batters. The middle of the order caught fire for the Eagles with Mallory Siebert and Hallie Horton combining to go 3-for-5 with a run and three RBI's.

The Williams offense burst to life in game two, collecting 13 hits and 12 runs in five innings. Shelby Anderson earned the complete game shutout victory, allowing two hits. She also gave the offense a spark with her eighth homerun on the season. She finished with two hits and four runs batted in. All-American Felicia Woodard went 4-for-4 from the dish with an RBI and three runs. She also swiped two bases in the contest.

"Felicia is an All-American for a reason and she showed it this week. When she gets on base we are a very special team," said Newell.

WBC stepped out of conference on Saturday to sweep Bethel, 8-0 and 4-2.

Hendrix continued her dominance in game one, pitching another complete game shutout. She allowed a mere two base runners in the contest. The win extended her seasons record to 10-1. She has not allowed a run in 36.1 innings. The pitcher is currently ranked in the top 20 in the NAIA in ten different categories.

"She is just throwing incredibly well," said Newell.

Woodard continued sizzling from the plate, going 3-for-3 with three runs batted in and two runs. She reached base in seven consecutive at-bats. Anderson hit her ninth homerun of the season, a two run shot in the first. Her nine homers on the season rank fourth in the NAIA.

"Shelby just keeps producing, week after week. When Shelby produces, we generally play well," added Newell.

The Lady Eagles faced adversity in the final game of the week, following behind 2-0 before scoring four unanswered runs on their way to the 4-2 victory.

"It was probably a good thing that we had to face the challenge of coming from behind. I could tell the girls were concerned, but they battled and we were able to come through. It is good because we know we will get tested in conference and I am glad we come through with a win," said Newell.

Anderson improved her pitching record to a perfect 9-0, throwing a complete game and only giving up two runs on four hits. She struck out seven batters.

The 14th ranked Lady Eagles aim to improve their ranking when the new polls come out on March 19. Their record is 19-1 overall and 2-0 in the AMC. They have not lost a game by more than one run.

Williams will host back-to-back double headers on March 21 and 22. On Thursday at 1 p.m., they will play non-conference opponent Mid-Continent University. They will host AMC foe Stephens College Friday at 2 p.m.